A 19-year-old student at the University of Connecticut was run over and killed early Sunday by a vehicle for the campus fire department, state police said. Jeffny Pally, of West Hartford, was sitting against the bay door of the campus public safety complex in Storrs shortly after 1 p.m. when the fire department got an emergency call, according to a police report.
The report says Pally, of West Hartford, was sitting on the ground with her back against the door when it opened, causing her to fall back onto the ground. The right side of the emergency vehicle driving out, a Chevy Tahoe, ran over her, killing her, the report said.
"Every student is precious to us, and this is a heartbreaking and tragic loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. We know that words cannot begin to express their grief," UConn President Susan Herbst said in a written statement.
The university referred all questions to state police, which took over the investigation at the request of the campus police. State police said the driver of the Chevy Tahoe was put on administrative duty.